MS in Medical Physiology

Prepare for medical, dental and other health-profession programs through the Master of Science in Medical Physiology (MSMP) at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Housed within the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, this post-baccalaureate program provides advanced training in medical physiology and helps you build a strong academic foundation for professional clinical education.

As an MSMP student, you will learn within a renowned medical school alongside dedicated faculty while also benefitting from affiliations with leading healthcare systems, including Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, MetroHealth and the Louis Stokes Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Since 2011, 90% of the program’s pre-medical students have been accepted to MD and DO programs and nearly 100% of its pre-dental students have been accepted to DMD and DDS programs.  Additionally, our graduates have gone onto Physician Assistant, PhD, MD/PhD, Nursing, Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, Podiatry, Optometry, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Maternal Fetal Transport, Emergency Medical Technician, and biotechnology programs and careers.

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Program Features

• Flexible program options designed to support a variety of academic and professional goals 
• Flexible program pacing with completion in 12 to 36 months 
• Spring, summer and fall start dates available 
• In-person, fully online and hybrid course options 
• Part-time and full-time enrollment options 
• Rigorous core curriculum modeled after the first year of medical or dental school 
• Linkage programs with three medical schools (MD and DO), one podiatry school, and one anesthesiologist assistant program 
• Individualized faculty advising and support from teaching assistants, peer advisors and staff 
• Enrichment and professional development opportunities available on campus and throughout Greater Cleveland’s healthcare community 
• Marked increases in MCAT (10 points on average), DAT and GRE performance

View the MSMP Curriculum

Academic Advising and Support

The Master of Science in Medical Physiology program supports and guides you throughout your academic and professional journey.

As an MSMP student, you will be paired with a faculty advisor and an optional student peer advisor who will help you navigate the program and prepare for your future career goals.

Faculty and peer advisors help you master the rigorous curriculum, develop your career plans and connect with university and departmental resources. Faculty advisors also provide letters of recommendation for professional school applications.

Teaching assistants support your academic success through office hours, review sessions, recitation sessions, study strategies, and preparation for the comprehensive exam. Peer advisors offer guidance on studying and navigating the program.

Explore Linkage Programs

Professional Development

Students have access to a variety of professional development opportunities designed to support preparation for professional school and future careers, including:

• An annual retreat focused on helping you prepare for applications and interviews
• Ongoing programming designed to help you strategize your professional school applications
• Recruiting visits from professional schools and programs
• Workshops on the application process, personal statement development, mock interviews and related topics

Collaborative Learning Community

The Master of Science in Medical Physiology program emphasizes teamwork and collaboration both inside and outside the classroom, encouraging you to learn from and support your peers throughout your academic journey.

MSMP students often form study, volunteer and social groups while celebrating each other’s successes and supporting their peers in career planning, entrance exam preparation, professional school applications and interview preparation.

Enrichment Opportunities

In addition to strong academic performance and competitive entrance exam scores, professional schools also value applicants with meaningful clinical, research and service experiences.

MSMP offers many opportunities for resident students to enrich their professional school applications.  Students can participate in research, including writing a masters thesis as well as clinical rotations in the nephrology and neurology departments at University Hospitals.

Case Western Reserve University is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, MetroHealth and the Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Resident MSMP students can take advantage of Cleveland’s extensive medical and healthcare community to shadow clinicians, volunteer, conduct research and participate in enrichment opportunities that strengthen your professional school application. 

Additional enrichment opportunities include participation in Cleveland Clinic’s Advanced Transcription, Observation and Medical Instruction (ATOMIC) program, a clinical scribing mentorship program, as well as access to Grand Rounds.

Students have founded numerous service organizations, including the Master Chefs who cook meals regularly for the Ronald McDonald House and H.E.L.P. (Health, Education, and Leadership in Physiology) which works with local residents on developing healthy lifestyle programming.

Faculty Advisors

One of the defining features of the MSMP program is its personalized advising model. Throughout your academic journey, you will work closely with world-renowned faculty advisors who provide individualized academic, professional and career guidance to support your success. Many of these faculty advisors also teach in the MD curriculum. 

Program Staff

In addition to faculty advising, MSMP students receive ongoing support from program staff throughout their academic journey and beyond.